Using termite nests as a source of organic matter in agrosilvicultural production systems in Amazonia

Abstract

The growth of two annual crops, okra (Abelmoschus escutentus) and egg-plant (Solatium melongena) and one perennial crop, andiroba (Carapa guianensis, a native forest tree of Amazonia) under different treatments with organic manure derived from termite nest material of wood-feeding Nasutitermes species was tested (randomized block design). The use of 25-100 g of nest material gave no significant increase in okra productivity, and 25-200 g gave no significant response in andiroba. The combined use of NPK with 200 g of nest material gave a significant higher production in egg-plant (total number and total fresh weight of fruits) when compared to the control (without fertilizer) and to the treatment with NPK only.The results suggest the possibility to use termite nest material to enhance crop production in Amazonia, particularly in combination with low amounts of mineral fertilizer. Research lines for further investigations are outlined.

Effects of Spreading Out Termite Mound Material on Ferralsol Fertility, Katanga, D.R. Congo

“…Similar observations have been made for Macrotermes mounds in other regions (e.g. Mills et al, 2009;Abe et al, 2011), which has led some authors to suggest using mound material as a soil amendment (Watson, 1977;Batalha et al, 1995;Mamo and Wortmann, 2009;Tilahun et al, 2012). Small-scale farmers in the Lubumbashi region however have currently not adopted this practice, the main local use for mound material is brick production.…”

Phosphorus forms in Brazilian termite nests and soils: Relevance of feeding guild and ecosystems

“…The wide range of termite genera studied here allows us to generalize this finding: The accumulation of P in termite mounds creates hot spots, also of higher P availability, within this P deficient environment. These P enriched mound materials could be used as soil amendment as shown by Watson (1977), Batalha et al (1995) and Duponnois et al (2005).…”

Environmental Sustainability: A Review of Termite Mound Soil Material and Its Bacteria

“…Oryza sativa L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. Improve the growth of Oryza sativa L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. [27] Solatium melongena Combined use of 200 g of termite mound material with NPK led to a substantial increase in Solatium melongena production. [63] Lolium perenne Lolium perenne gave higher dry-matter yields with substrates derived from termite mounds than the comparable soil.…”